Author

Department/School

Management

Date of this version

3-2003

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Midcareer, employment dynamics, career development

Abstract

The work-oriented midcareer development model for middle income workers in the United States is presented to respond to changing employment dynamics. The model replaces organizationally determined internal labor markets with an individually directed career development structure. It directs workers to define their work, identify its future requirements, and select a developmental direction in an extension of Super's career maintenance stage. Three levels of midcareer development are also proposed: job oriented, work maintenance, and work growth. This new structure allows midcareer individuals to maintain or grow their employment security, income, and career satisfaction in an environment of increasing mobility and salary compression. Suggestions for applications to career counseling clients and implications for future research are discussed.